Recent aviation incidents, including a flying tire, runway roll-off, and emergency landings, have caught public attention. However, aviation experts assert that the safety record of the industry is at its peak, highlighting a decline in fatal accidents and a better safety record in terms of lives lost than ever before.
John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems LLC, emphasized, “This is not a safety trend.” FlightGlobal’s data supports this statement, showing a decrease in fatal commercial aviation accidents worldwide, with 2023 recording the lowest number at just six, leading to 115 deaths. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data corroborates this trend, showing a decline in major accidents and injury or death rates in recent years.
Despite the public’s heightened awareness of aviation incidents, particularly following the Alaska Airlines flight’s midair blowout in January, experts like Jeff Guzzetti of Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery LLC, remind us that such incidents occur regularly in the industry. The recent events, including a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 runway roll-off in Houston and a tire falling off a Boeing 777-200, are viewed as maintenance issues rather than systemic problems with specific airlines or aircraft manufacturers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating these incidents, with the NTSB also probing a United flight involving potentially faulty rudder pedals on a Boeing 737 Max in February. United Airlines and Boeing have both stated their cooperation with the investigations, stressing that safety remains their top priority.
Experts suggest no direct link to any specific airline or aircraft manufacturer for these incidents. They acknowledge the role of social media in amplifying awareness of such events, even if their frequency hasn’t increased. However, they also note that the aviation industry faces challenges, such as the transition to less experienced aviation personnel and the complexities of newer, more technologically advanced airplanes.
Despite these challenges, the overall decrease in accidents is viewed as evidence of improved safety. Training for pilots now emphasizes not just system understanding but also automation management alongside maintaining manual flying skills.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, experts remain vigilant but confident in the ongoing efforts to ensure safety. The NTSB’s planned investigative hearing into the Boeing 737-9 later this year underscores the commitment to understanding and addressing any safety concerns that arise.
Related air safety stories: https://www.airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, FlightGlobal.com
